Master of Human Factors and Safety Management Systems

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMHF

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements
- Applicants will normally have completed an undergraduate degree in a psychology, engineering, safety or management discipline area, or equivalent and have at least five years relevant professional experience. OR
- Alternatively, applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems with a credit average will be eligible for entry into the Master of Human Factors and Safety Management Systems.
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This program has no further intakes, please refer to the Graduate Diploma in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems (IGHF).

Aim

The aim of this program is to develop advanced knowledge and a range of research skills in the analysis of Human Factors issues and the development of Safety Management Systems.

Content & Structure

Human Factors is a multi-disciplinary applied science that integrates the fields of psychology, engineering, ergonomics, management and industrial design. Human Factors is primarily concerned with the interaction between humans and the socio-technical systems with which they work. The program comprises eight compulsory courses, two elective courses and a project-based research component; a total of 54 units are required to complete the program.

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From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR			Note(s): 1
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Factors: Principles and Applications in Design Safety	BEHL 5050	4.5	Note(s): 3
Safety Management Systems	BEHL 5051	4.5	Note(s): 3
Managing Safety Change in Organisations	BEHL 5053	4.5
Elective course		4.5	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Risk Management in Social Responsibility	BEHL 5052	4.5	Note(s): 3
Strategic Measurement of Safety Performance	BUSS 5211	4.5
Special Topics in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems	BEHL 5057	4.5
Elective course		4.5	Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Issues in Human Factors and Safety Management	BEHL 5055	4.5
Research Methods in Human Factors Safety Management	BEHL 5056	4.5	Note(s): 3
Human Factors and Safety Management Systems Thesis 1	BEHL 5058	4.5
Human Factors and Safety Management Systems Thesis 2	BEHL 5059	4.5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Electives are chosen from:
Work Health & Safety Law and Corporate Social Responsibility	BUSS 5203	4.5
General Risk and Workplace Management	BUSS 5212	4.5
Shiftwork and Sleep	BEHL 5049	4.5
Humans and Complex Socio-Technical Systems	BEHL 5061	4.5
Big Issues in Rail Safety	BEHL 5082	4.5
Rail Safety Regulations and Standards	BEHL 5083	4.5
Understanding Simulators: Application and Management	BEHL 5084	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. The program requires the equivalent of 1.5 years fulltime study. Study can be either fulltime or part-time.

2. Not all courses may be offered every year.

3. The courses BEHL 5050 Human Factors: Principles and Applications, BEHL 5051 Safety Management Systems, BEHL 5052 Managing and Mitigating Risk and BEHL 5055 Advanced Issues in Human Factors and Safety Management will include an optional short on-campus workshop for students who wish to attend.